My life seems to be filled with snippets these days.
I decided that one way to “corral” those snippets could be turned into a new series for Sweetwater Style.
So welcome to “7 Sweet Things”!
Each week I will pick a theme….and share 7 things about it!
It might be my favorite blogs….
It might be my favorite thrift store finds….
It might be my favorite flowers…..
It might be my favorite quotations….
We shall see!
Indispensable Tools For Projects and Crafts!
The Sweetwater Stash of Tools seems to keep growing….
Having the right tool for the project at hand is my answer to the question “How did you do that?”
Here a list of 7 Sweet Tools that won’t break the bank, but make doing projects easier!
You know the OBVIOUS ones….glue gun, scotch tape etc…..but here are some you might not have in your cupboard!
A Professional Trimmer…..
The Sweetwater Son gives me the best presents!
This trimmer is a great example of that! He probably noticed my crooked attempts of cutting and knew this would solve that problem.
Having a trimmer like this one makes cutting paper a breeze…
AND… you can buy all sorts of blades if you want to get fancy…my favorites are the scoring blad and the one that makes perforations.
Paddle Wire….
I buy this in quantity! I buy mine at Michaels for a couple of dollars.
It is what I use when making bows…
I use it for hanging ornaments on the Christmas tree…
A snip of wire can make almost anything become more stable….so every “junk” drawer in the house has one…I even keep some at school….and used it twice last week!
ZOTS…..Clear Adhesive Dots
These little sticky dots are almost magical…
I love the way they make attaching paper to paper without any wrinkles or waiting for glue to dry!
I use them when I am framing pictures….
I use them when I make gift cards….
This little gem was a “gift” from Mr. S after he watched me trying to cut some artificial flower stems with kitchen shears….wiggling the wire back and forth until it finally broke!
He had one in HIS tool box….but I guess he didn’t want to share!!!
Now….with ONE snip those stems are cleanly cut.
Any tough cut is no longer TOUGH! The pointed end lets me get in close and make the cut precise.
Heavy Duty Staple Remover
This wicked looking object can be a real manicure saver!
Those pesky staples on packing material used to drive me nuts…
And when I make a mistake with my power stapler….it is nice to know I can pull the staple out without wrecking the fabric!
Well worth the $10 it cost!
Curved Sewing Needles…..
I have a set of these in lots of sizes….WHY?
When you need to sew something that is hard to reach….the curve makes it so easy to run the needle through….
This is especially useful when you have hand sewing on something with fabric over a hard or thick surface that needs a stitch or two.
If you have never used a curved needle, you really need to try it!
Raffia
I love the almost unlimited uses of raffia.
It ties my plants to the plant stakes both indoors and out….
I stuff it in flower arrangements….to cover the floral foam when it shows through….
I tie up the garlands on the stairway at holiday time….
I wrap it around vases….
I use it on gift cards and packages….
Now….I have lots of other tools…..in fact I probably have TOO MANY tools….but these are MY favorites (at least today!!!)
What are YOUR go to tools of YOUR trade???
I would love to know!
Have a great day!